Method to determine connector leaks during testing

ABSTRACT

A method for evaluating the leak tightness of a connector, or multiple connectors. The method uses an administrative server having a library of pressure and temperature information on various connectors, as well as the ability to report pressure and temperature data to a network as uncorrected and corrected responses. The method uses a data logger for recording pressure and temperature readings and also reporting corrected and uncorrected responses using one or more equations to shorten the test time by at least 50 percent or to about 5 minutes or less. The method uses a test pump for applying pressure to a connector to generate a corrected pressure which indicates leaks when the corrected pressure changes.

FIELD

The present embodiments generally relate to a method for determiningintegrity between a connector and a conduit.

BACKGROUND

A need exists for an external test method for a connector that allowspressurization external of a conduit prior to inserting the conduit witha connector down a well, or into deep water. A method is needed thatallows for testing of the conduit to determine integrity between theconnector and the conduit in a short time window of 5 minutes or less.

A further need exists for a testing method that is twice as fast ascurrently commercially available testing methods.

The present embodiments meet these needs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings as follows:

FIG. 1 is a schematic of elements for determining leak tightness of aconnector usable in the method.

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic representation of an administrative datastorage usable in the method.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic representation of data storage of a datalogger usable in the method.

FIG. 4 illustrates perspective view of a data logger usable in themethod.

FIG. 5 is a schematic of a client device usable with the method.

FIG. 6 illustrates an executive dashboard usable in the method.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of an uncorrected response curve.

FIG. 8 illustrates a graphical representation of a corrected responsecurve.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing steps of the method.

The present embodiments are detailed below with reference to the listedFigures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before explaining the present method in detail, it is to be understoodthat the method is not limited to the particular embodiments and that itcan be practiced or carried out in various ways.

The present embodiments relate to a method for evaluating leak tightnessof at least one connector for control conduits, such as umbilicals,usable with field completions, such as oil well completions, welldrilling, such as water well drilling, or oil or natural gas drilling,or combinations thereof.

The present embodiments further relate to a method for evaluating leaktightness for connections used in the aerospace industry, such asbetween a fuel line and a fuselage.

The embodiments of the method can use an administrative server which canhave an administrative processor, such as an Intel Pentium processor,and administrative data storage, such as 1 gigabyte data storage.

The administrative data storage can include a library of pressure andtemperature information on connectors. This library of pressure andtemperature information can be stored in a dynamic information databasein the administrative data storage.

The library of pressure and temperature information can have data for aplurality of connectors. The library can also include equations forproducing corrected pressures for a variety of connectors and formingpressure decay rates, having defined pressures relative to definedtemperatures. For example, the library can contain for a ¼ inch diameterconnector, pressure information in the form of an equation relative to adefined temperature, such as 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

The administrative data storage can include computer instructions forproducing a report of recorded pressures and temperatures and correctedpressures and pressure decay rates. The pressures and temperatures canbe recorded from sensors, which can be in communication with the datalogger. The pressure sensor can be located in the test fluid and thetemperature sensor can be located proximate the connector. In anembodiment, a thermocouple can be located in or on the side of areservoir of test fluid used in the testing process associated with thismethod.

As used herein the term “recorded pressure signals” can refer topressure in psi coming from an electronic pressure transducer or “firstpressure sensor”, which can be located in the test fluid. The recordedpressure can be determined from the transducer in the reservoir of thetest fluid and from a “second pressure sensor” in a conduitcommunicating between a test pump and a connector.

The term “recorded temperature signals” can refer to the temperaturesindicated by a “first temperature sensor”, which can be located on aconnector, a “second temperature sensor”, which can be located on theconduit communicating between a test pump and a connector, and/or athermocouple on the side of the reservoir of a test fluid, or a “thirdtemperature sensor” in the test fluid of the reservoir of a test fluid.

The term “corrected pressure” can refer to the adjustment of theuncorrected pressure with respect to a predicted response computed fromthe recorded temperatures and pressures using the equations to producethe pressure decay rate for the connector.

The term “pressure decay rate” can refer to the curve created using theequations in the library of pressure and temperature information onconnectors using defined temperatures and defined pressures for eachconnector.

The administrative data storage can further include computerinstructions to transmit any created report of the recorded pressuresand recorded temperatures to another device, such as the administrativeserver, a client device or a data logger. The computer instructions totransmit the report can include computer instructions to transmit thereport over at least one network.

The network can be a satellite network, the internet, a wirelessnetwork, a fiber optic network, a LAN, or combinations thereof.

The data logger usable in this method can have a housing with a display,which can be a touch screen display, or in another embodiment, anexplosion proof display.

In the housing of the data logger, can be a data logger processor, whichcan be in communication with the display and with data logger datastorage.

Data logger data storage can be used to store at least one equation fromthe library that produces, at a site in the field, a pressure decay ratefor connectors secured to at least one control conduit at a definedpressure over time for defined temperature.

For example, a data logger can produce a decay rate for a ½ inchconnector secured to a tubing hanger at a pressure of about 15,000 psiover a 20 minute time interval at a temperature of about 80 degreesFahrenheit.

The data logger data storage can include computer instructions forinstructing the data logger processor to record pressure readings fromconnectors, and to record temperature readings from the same connectors.

The data logger data storage can include computer instructions forgenerating a report of a uncorrected response using the recordedpressure readings and recorded temperatures readings. Additionally, thedata logger data storage can have computer instructions for instructingthe data logger processor to generate a corrected response using therecorded pressure readings, recorded temperature readings and the atleast one equation.

The data logger can also have at least one USB port, an on-board powersupply, which can be rechargeable, and a parallel port for connectingthe data logger to a printer or similar device. The data logger can alsohave a bus that can connect to both a temperature sensor and a pressuresensor.

The housing of the data logger can be explosion proof, water tight andleak proof.

The method can include a test pump adapted to produce pressures of atleast 10,000 psi in communication with a fluid source, which can be areservoir of test fluid. The test pump can be in communication with thedata logger for securing to one or more of the connectors for generatingpressures at each connector.

The test pump can be fluidly attached to each of the connectors, andthen a test pressure exceeding a desired corrected response pressure isapplied with the test pump to the connector.

The term “desired corrected response pressure” can be defined herein tomean the expected pressure at the end of at least a 20 minute lengthypressure test.

Once the pressure is applied, the test pump can be isolated, and thenpressure and temperature readings can be recorded into the data loggerdata storage. Simultaneously with the recording, the pressure andtemperate readings can be presented on the display of the data logger.

Next, the recorded pressure and temperature readings can be processed bythe data logger processor using at least one equation to produce acorrected pressure which can be displayed as a corrected response curve.

The following Table 1 shows equations to produce corrected pressures forconnectors:

¼″ POTH Connector, Part # 130M581 Rev. C, size = ¼″, Pressure = −175 *log (time in seconds) 21,500; ⅜″ POTH Connector, Part # 130M591 Rev. D,size = ⅜″, Pressure = −170 * log (time in seconds) + 21,500; and ½″ POTHConnector, Part # 130M891 Rev. B, size = ½″, Pressure = −165 * log (timein seconds) + 21,500.

When corrected pressure is displayed on the data logger display, it canbe viewed by an operator. When the corrected pressure changes from apreset limit, an alarm can be provided indicating a leak between theconnector and the control conduit.

The alarm can be an indication on the display that a leak exists betweenthe connector and the control conduit.

The alarm can be an audio alarm, a flashing light, an icon on thedisplay, an email transmitted to a cellular phone, such as an I-Phone™of a system user, or similar alarm notification device.

The alarm can include computer instructions in the data logger datastorage to determine the rate of leak indicated by the alarm. Forexample, the rate of leak can be about 0.01 ml per minute for a rapidflashing strobe alarm.

The administrative server usable in this method can be a personalcomputer, a laptop or another computing device with a processor and datastorage capable of communication with at least one network.

In this method, a webserver can be located between a network and theadministrative server for providing easy log in and simultaneouslyfirewall protection to the system for users with client devices incommunication through a network.

The connectors can engage control conduits that can comprise steeltubulars, high nickel alloy tubulars, other metal tubulars that holdcontrol umbilical, cables, fuel lines, and fiber optics.

The connectors can be about ⅛ inch diameter connectors, or havediameters that vary from about 2 inches to about ¼ inch, for connectingbetween the control conduit and a fluid source.

The data logger data storage can include computer instructions forinstructing the data logger to transmit the report to the administrativeserver, to a client device or combinations of these devices.

The library of pressure information on connectors usable in this methodcan include: sizes of connectors, responses from each connector topressures between about 10,000 psi to about 20,000 psi at a plurality ofidentified temperatures; pressure decay rates over time for eachconnector for each identified temperature; and equations that producethe pressure decay rates for each connector at a defined pressure overtime for temperatures between a first and second identified temperature.

The term “identified temperatures” can refer to a first, a second, orboth temperatures at which the pressure data was recorded to create theequations.

An example of a “defined pressure over time for temperatures between afirst and second identified temperature” can be a ¼ inch testedconnected tested at 10,000 psi between 80 degrees Fahrenheit to 82degrees Fahrenheit.

Each equation in the method can be specific to each connector.

In the method, the data storage of the administrative server can have anadministrative dynamic information database that can include one or moreof the following elements: a customer name, such as “David Levy”, acustomer address, a customer email and a customer phone, a uniquecustomer identifier; such as client number 1237, a plurality ofconnector assembly numbers, such as 130M591 revision D, connector sizessuch as ¾ inch diameter connectors for methanol injection, connectormaterials, such as the connector is made of alloy 925 which is a steel,customer payment information such as VISA™ or MasterCard™ numbers, wellnames such as Shell Tahoe, well locations, such as Green Canyon BlockNumber 150 rig names, such as Bullwinkle™ in the Gulf of Mexico,operator names, date and time of testing; such as Apr. 21, 2009 at 1:31pm, purchase order number, and combinations of these and other elementsuseful to the customer relationship can be included in the data storageof the administrative server, such as date of next well completion.

In this method the administrative server can communicate with at leastone client device for receiving a report and monitoring the pressuresand corrected responses. The client device usable in this method canhave a processor with data storage and computer instructions in the datastorage to present an executive dashboard for continuous monitoring ofthe corrected responses and testing of the connectors by welltechnician, operator or some other selected variable.

The executive dashboard usable in this method can also include thefollowing elements: time, date, location of well, location of test,customer name, well name and similar information.

Turning now to the Figures, FIG. 1 is a schematic overview of anadministrative server (10), a data logger (29), a test pump (50), and areservoir of test fluid (51).

FIG. 1 further shows the administrative server (10), which can containadministrative processor (12) and administrative data storage (14). Alsoshown is the data logger (29), which can have a data logger processor(32), a data logger data storage (34), and a display (31). A test pump(50) can connect to the data logger (29) to transmit the pressure andtemperature signals between the apparatus. A webserver (11) is shown incommunication with a network (64), such as the internet, and theadministrative server (10) for providing easy log in and simultaneouslyfirewall protection to the system for users with client devices incommunication through the network (64). A client device (68) can also bein communication with the network (64).

The test pump (50) can further be in communication with a connector (8)through a control conduit (9). Proximate the connector (8) can be afirst temperature sensor (65). Within the control conduit (9) can be asecond pressure sensor (61) and a second temperature sensor (63).

Still referring to FIG. 1, the reservoir of test fluid (51) can comprisea test fluid (53). Within the test fluid (53) can be a first pressuresensor (55) and a third temperature sensor (57). Proximate the reservoirof reservoir of test fluid (51) can be a thermocouple (59).

FIG. 2 shows the administrative data storage (14), which can be usablein the method with a library of pressure information on connectors (16)in an administrative dynamic information database (18).

Additional computer instructions for producing a report of recordedpressure and temperature and corrected pressure and pressure decay rates(20) are shown. The administrative data storage shows computerinstructions to transmit a report of recorded pressures and correctedpressures and recorded decay rates (11) using the at least one network.

FIG. 3 shows a detail of data logger data storage (34), which can storeat least one equation (35), defined pressures (33), defined temperatures(36) and pressure decay rates (37). Data logger data storage (34) canfurther have computer instructions to record pressure readings (38) fromat least one connector, and computer instructions to instruct the datalogger processor to record temperature readings from the connector (40),and computer instructions to instruct the data logger processor togenerate a report of an uncorrected response using the recorded pressurereadings and recorded temperatures readings (42), and computerinstruction to instruct the data logger processor to generate a reportof a corrected response using the recorded pressure and temperaturereadings and at least one of the equations (43).

The data logger can also have computer instructions to transmit anygenerated report to the administrative server, to a client device, orcombinations thereof, over the network (58).

The data logger can also have computer instructions to determine a rateof leak of the connector (66). The data logger can further have computerinstructions to store computed corrected pressures as well as thedesired corrected response pressures (62).

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a data logger (29). The data logger(29) can have a housing (30) with a display (31), a USB port (44), apower supply (45), and a parallel port (46). An alarm (56) is shown andcan be secured to the data logger (29). In an embodiment, the alarm canbe a light.

FIG. 5 shows client device (68), which can be usable in the method. Theclient device (68) can have a client device processor (72), clientdevice data storage (74) and computer instructions in the client devicefor presenting and executive dashboard on a client device display (76).The client device display (78) can present the executive dashboard forviewing the testing conditions and test results from a data logger, or aplurality of data loggers simultaneously connected to connectors.

FIG. 6 shows an executive dashboard (80), which can be usable in themethod. The executive dashboard (80) can display well information (82),client information (84), an uncorrected response as a curve (86) and acorrected response as a curve (88). The executive dashboard (80) can bedisplayed on the client device display (78) of the client device (68).

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation, producible in this method, of anuncorrected response as a curve for a ⅜ inch connector that has beentest pressurized to about 15,500 psi over a time of about 30 minutes. Afirst curve shows a pressure decay rate without a leak at a temperatureof about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. A second curve shows a pressure decayrate without a leak at a temperature of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Thethird curve shows a leak at a rate of about 1 cc per minute at about 70degrees Fahrenheit. The leak is different from the other curves at 5minutes for fast viewing.

FIG. 8 illustrates a graphical representation, producible in thismethod, of a corrected response as a curve over about 30 minutes. Therepresentation starts at Pu=pressure uncorrected is at about 15,500 psiand it moves to Pc=pressure corrected of about 15,000 psi revealing thetesting need not take 30 minutes, and the answer can be available at 5minutes.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing steps of the method. The method cancomprises the step of using an administrative server to form a libraryof pressure and temperature information on connectors and equations(100). The method can continue with the step of forming a library ofpressure and temperature information on connectors and at least oneequation in an administrative dynamic information database (101). Themethod can continue with using a data logger for testing a connector,wherein the data logger data storage stores at least one equation fromthe administrative server that produces a pressure decay rate for theconnector at a defined pressure over time for a defined temperature(102).

The method can also have the steps of using a test pump in communicationwith the data logger to apply a pressure of at least 10,000 psi andflowing pressurized test fluid from a reservoir of test fluid to theconnector (103); applying a test pressure to the connector exceeding adesired corrected response pressure with the test pump, isolating thetest pump (104); isolating the test pump, recording pressure andtemperature readings into the data logger data storage (105); presentingthe pressure and temperature readings on a display of the data logger(106); and processing the recorded pressure and temperature reading bythe data logger processor using at least one equations (107).

The method can also comprise the step of producing a corrected pressure,displaying the corrected pressure, and when the corrected pressurechanges, initiating an alarm indicating a leak between the connector andthe control conduit and completing the test within 5 minutes (108).

While these embodiments have been described with emphasis on theembodiments, it should be understood that within the scope of theappended claims, the embodiments might be practiced other than asspecifically described herein.

1. A method for evaluating leak tightness of at least one connector for control conduits usable with field completions, well drilling, or combinations thereof, comprising: a. using an administrative server comprising an administrative processor and administrative data storage to form a library of pressure and temperature information on connectors and equations, in an administrative dynamic information database, computer instructions for producing a report of recorded pressures and temperatures and corrected pressures and pressure decay rates, and computer instructions to transmit the report of recorded pressures and corrected pressures and computed pressure decay rates using at least one network; b. forming a library of pressure and temperature information on connectors and at least one equation in an administrative dynamic information database in an administrative data storage of an administrative server further comprising an administrative processor; c. using a data logger for testing a connector, wherein the data logger is in communication with the administrative server, wherein the data logger comprises a data logger housing for supporting a display, wherein the display is connected to a data logger processor with data logger data storage, at least one USB port, a power supply, and a parallel port; and wherein the data logger data storage stores at least one equation from the administrative server that produces a pressure decay rate for the connector at a defined pressure over time for a defined temperature, and wherein the data logger data storage further comprises computer instructions for: (i) instructing the data logger processor to record pressure readings from the connector; (ii) instructing the data logger processor to record temperature readings from the connector; (iii) instructing the data logger processor to generate a report of an uncorrected response using the recorded pressure readings and recorded temperatures readings; and (iv) instructing the data logger processor to generate a report of a corrected response using the recorded pressure and temperature readings and the equation; d. using a test pump in communication with the data logger to apply a pressure of at least 10,000 psi and flowing pressurized test fluid from a reservoir of test fluid to the connector; and, applying a test pressure to the connector exceeding a desired corrected response pressure with the test pump, isolating the test pump, recording pressure and temperature readings into the data logger data storage, presenting the pressure and temperature readings on the display of the data logger, processing the recorded pressure and temperature readings by the data logger processor using at least one equation and producing a corrected pressure, displaying the corrected pressure, and when the corrected pressure changes, initiating an alarm indicating a leak between the connector and the control conduit and completing the test within 5 minutes.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the administrative server is a personal computer, a laptop, or another computing device with a processor and data storage capable of communication with at least one network.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the alarm provides an icon on the display that indicates a leak exists between the connector and the control conduit.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the data logger data storage further comprises computer instructions to determine the rate of a leak.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the control conduit comprises steel tubulars, high nickel alloy tubulars, other metal tubulars for carrying control umbilical, cables, or fiber optics.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the connectors comprise diameters between ¼ inch to 2 inches and are adapted for connecting between the control conduit and a fluid source.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the data logger has computer instructions to store computed corrected pressures as well as the desired corrected response pressures.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the data logger has computer instructions for producing a report of recorded pressure and temperature and corrected pressure and pressure decay rates.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the data logger has computer instructions to transmit a report of recorded pressures and corrected pressures and recorded decay rates using the at least one network.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprises a webserver in communication with the at least one network and the administrative server.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one network is a satellite network, the internet, a wireless network, fiber optic, a LAN, or combinations thereof.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the library of pressure and temperature information on connectors comprises: a. size information for a plurality of connectors; b. responses for a plurality of connectors between 10000 psi to 20,000 psi at a plurality of identified temperatures; c. pressure decay rates over time for a plurality of connectors with at least one identified temperature; and d. at least one equation that produces a pressure decay rate for at least one connector at a defined pressure over time for temperatures between a first and second identified temperature.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein each of the at least one equations is unique to each type of connector.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the administrative data storage further comprises in the dynamic information database, at least one member selected from the group consisting of: a. customer name, address, email and phone; b. a customer identifier; c. a connector number; d. a connector size; e. a connector material; f. customer payment information; g. a well name; h. a well location; i. a rig name; j. an operator name; k. a date of testing; l. a time of testing; m. a purchase order number; and n. combinations thereof.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprises at least one temperature sensor located within the test fluid, or within the control conduit, or proximate the connector, or combination thereof and is in communication with the data logger.
 16. The method of claim 1, further comprises at least one pressure sensor located within the test fluid, or within the control conduit, or combinations thereof and is in communication with the data logger.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein a thermocouple is located proximate the reservoir of the test fluid and is in communication with the data logger.
 18. The method of claim 1, further comprises a client device in communication with the administrative server for receiving a report and monitoring testing.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the client device further comprises a client device processor and a client device data storage, wherein the client device data storage comprises computer instructions to instruct the client device processor to present an executive dashboard on a display of the client device for continuous monitoring of the testing of the connectors.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprises computer instructions in the data logger data storage for instructing the data logger processor to transmit the report to the administrative server, a client device, or combinations thereof.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the executive dashboard displays at least one member of the following group: a. well information; b. client information; c. uncorrected response curves; d. corrected responses; and e. combination thereof. 